SURVEY: Most university students get help from parents when furnishing their first home – washing machines and vacuums are the first items they buy.

As the academic year begins, Verkkokauppa.com conducted a survey* to explore the thoughts of university students starting their independent lives regarding their first homes and related purchases.

92 percent of university students living independently consider their home primarily a vital place for peace and quiet, where they can relax after a busy day.

“The survey revealed that students spend a lot of time in their first homes and want them to be peaceful environments for both leisure and studying. Nearly half estimate they spend more time at home now that they live on their own for the first time. Meanwhile, 70 percent say they study from home frequently and therefore find it important to be able to focus on their studies there,” says Verkkokauppa.com’s Brand and Communications Manager Lauri Kutila.

According to the survey, the first electronics university students purchase for their first home are, in order: a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner, followed by a coffee maker and a television.

Growing interest in second-hand home purchases

Typically, new university students spend between 500 and 2,000 euros on home purchases—such as furniture, electronics, and other household items—during their first six months. 62 percent report receiving financial assistance for these purchases from parents or other relatives.

The survey also found that second-hand purchases are becoming increasingly popular among new university students. As many as 66 percent would prefer to buy more home items used if there were more suitable options available or if the buying process were easier.

“While first-home purchases are almost always driven by a tight budget, the strong interest in second-hand items shows that more students are making purchases with sustainability firmly in mind. This growing enthusiasm for used items also means that the selection of pre-owned, refurbished, and reliable home and entertainment electronics in online stores will only continue to grow,” Kutila explains.

Half of men have a PlayStation in their first home – Iittala is the most valued home brand

The survey also looked at which classic Finnish household items are found in the homes of university students who have recently started living independently. Nearly half of the men (46%) have a PlayStation console in their first home. The most common items found in students' homes are Fiskars scissors (80% of respondents) and Arabia Moomin mugs (68%).

Iittala is the most respected domestic design brand among those starting their independent lives. Following Iittala, the most valued brands in the eyes of university students are, in order: Fiskars, Marimekko, Finlayson, and Arabia.

*Verkkokauppa.com conducted a survey to explore the thoughts of university students starting their independent lives regarding their first homes and related purchases. The survey was carried out via Norstat's online panel in June 2024. A total of 674 university students aged 19–26, who had started living independently within the last five years, participated in the survey.

Additional information
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Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.